Book review:
An introduction to the
Wildlife of Cyprus
July 2017, Athens
Edited by D.J. Sparrow and E. John. Published
by Terra Cypria (2016; 870 pages).
I
bought the book at my favorite bookstore in Lefkosia this June, the Mouflon
Bookshop http://www.moufflon.com.cy/. Price: 60 €.
The book is absolutely amazing and everyone
should get it - I wager it will go OP (out-of-print) soon.
First, I urge all to buy the book ASAP! It is a welcome gift for any Mediterranean natural history library and is a wonderful book for both visitors, students and children.
First, I urge all to buy the book ASAP! It is a welcome gift for any Mediterranean natural history library and is a wonderful book for both visitors, students and children.
Second, some points on its nature
interpretation value: wholesome natural history!
The English writing and editing and the graphic art is rich and thorough and flows wonderfully throughout. Most importantly the book fills a
scarce genre in books (and "book-building" as well). This genre is now possible and "easier"
to build due to two things: a) various contributing experts who can and are willing
to do popularised writing, and b) the amazing local photography and guidance of many good local
or visiting naturalists (digital cameras...). This kind of review and
popularized interpretation was not possible 20 years ago.
Third; it is a wonderful contribution to the
island's non-vertebrate natural heritage. The chapters on dragonflies, moths,
and many other insects are generally astounding. I learned so much and just smiled throughout.
The work on the verts is also excellent, the herps and mammals and the
zoogeographical issues especially (...did you know that hippos can't swim?).
Other great books exist on Cyprus's birds,
herps and butterflies, but there is a lack of popularized literature on
everything else of an invertebrate nature (especially the small ones...). So much of this read is novel stuff to me, refreshing,
exciting!
Some criticism for the authors to consider
in the revised second version. Firstly, the
book has no marine section, maybe it should, even a very short one (a synoptic review like the one on the island's habitats). Secondly, some
chapters do have very uneven coverage - no real reference to many groups of water bugs, water
snails (except a list). There is some important missing stuff in the fish chapter. Effort should be made to narrow down the popular groups (e.g.
butterflies, since Chr. Makris's 2003 book does this group justice). The authors should maybe increase aspects of other inverts in this book. But its already a huge book - I understand the restrictions. So maybe make two books!!! Go for it authors!
I
also think there should be an effort to seek contributions from some really keystone
naturalists who have worked for decades on the Island, including both G/Cypriot
and T/Cypriot (but I understand this is not easy to accomplish). But this is not really criticism, its just is personal opinions by yet another critically-minded naturalist. The book is an amazing feat! To include 44 contributing authors and
over 100 photographers - this is truly a work of great love, expert management and talented editing. An amazing contribution to society.
I do not know the two British editors personally, but they
seem to be amazing people - they have gathered world-experts and reviewed
all-taxa macro-animals on this biodiversity-distinctive island in a scientific, artful
and entertaining way. Also, they have left a legacy that should be mimicked by
other Med countries (or provinces).
The book makes a great gift.
My thanks,
Dr. S. Zogaris
 |
| David Sparrow (L) and Eddie John (R) at the book launch and signing of ‘An Introduction to the Wildlife of Cyprus’, Lemessos Town Hall, 30 November, 2016. Note the incredible girth of the book!!! (Photo: Ros Sparrow, from: http://www.cyprusbutterflies.co.uk). |
